ABSTRACT
According to discursive psychologists, cognitive tasks are accomplished by the skillful use of symbols. The conversational model directs our attention particularly to linguistic performances. For example, to consider the pros and cons of a decision is to engage in a kind of debate, which may literally take the form of a conversation. Cognitive projects like remembering, deciding, expressing disapproval, coming to an opinion, are often accomplished linguistically, or by symbolic activities that are language-like. However, there are many other kinds of symbols in use for carrying through cognitive tasks than words. Scientific thinking often involves thought experiments, performed in the mind with imaginary apparatus. Many technical cognitive tasks are done by the use of graphs and diagrams. These symbolic devices are first order tools. People use them for accomplishing their cognitive projects.
